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March 31, 2008
Contact: Josh Golin (617.278.4172; jgolin@jbcc.harvard.edu)
For Immediate Release
Morgan Spurlock to Receive Fred Rogers Integrity Award;
CCFC Honors Strong Stance against Marketing to Children
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) is proud to
announce that Morgan Spurlock – the writer/producer/director and
star of the Academy Award nominated film Super Size Me –
has been selected to receive the third Fred Rogers Integrity
Award. The award, named in honor of the beloved host of
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, is given by CCFC to the public
figure whose efforts to protect children from harmful marketing
best embody Fred Rogers’ long-standing commitment to nurturing
the health and well-being of America’s children. The award
will be presented to Spurlock on April Third at 7:30 PM at the
Judge Baker Children's Center in Boston.
In 2004, Spurlock's landmark documentary, Super Size Me,
ignited a national discussion about fast food and helped shine a
spotlight on the food industry's nefarious marketing practices.
The film, and Spurlock's follow-up Don't Eat This Book,
have been instrumental in focusing attention on the childhood
obesity epidemic and helping to mobilize parents, healthcare
professionals, and politicians to advocate for restrictions on
food marketing to children.
“With humor and charm, Super Size Me educated millions of
Americans about the food industry’s role in fostering the
childhood obesity epidemic,” said CCFC’s director Dr. Susan
Linn. “The film’s launch was the tipping point in popularizing
the movement to protect children from junk food marketers; we
continue to hear from CCFC members for whom Super Size Me
was a defining moment in turning them into activists.”
Spurlock has continued to focus his attention on issues of
commercialism and children. In 2007, he produced What Would
Jesus Buy, a funny and moving look at the commercialization
of Christmas and its impact on families.
“We are particularly pleased to give Morgan Spurlock this award
because of his ability to reach young people,” added Dr. Linn.
“In his own inimitable way, he has done more than any other
individual to raise their awareness about the harms of fast food
marketing. And his work continues to be a platform for
addressing the problems inherent in commercializing childhood.”
“It is such an honor to
receive an award like this from a group that has done so much to
fight against the targeting of children by marketers and
corporations,” said Spurlock. “And it’s even cooler to get an
award named after Mr. Rogers.”
“We are delighted that CCFC is awarding the third Fred Rogers
Integrity Award to Morgan Spurlock, who so clearly embodies
their mission,” said William H. Isler, President of Family
Communications, Inc. “Joanne Rogers and I congratulate Mr.
Spurlock and thank CCFC for celebrating those who support the
philosophy and work of Fred Rogers.”
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